News

In an announcement today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced that he will soon lift the restrictions on sporting events contained in Executive Order No. 74.

“The guidance and rules of local education agencies and the TSSAA remain in place but Executive Order 74 will be suspended effective Monday, February 1,” Governor Lee said in a statement today. “I encourage Tennesseans to keep up their responsible personal choices as we work towards a COVID-free Tennessee.”

The TSSAA COVID-19 Regulations and Rules Modifications for practice and competition as well as the current restrictions on preseason scrimmages and jamborees adopted by the Board of Control at their July 22 meeting are still in place for all sports and must be followed. Visit the Tennessee Returns to Play page of TSSAA.org for complete details.

With the Governor’s announcement, the restrictions limiting cheerleaders and members of the general public from attending contests will be lifted on Monday, February 1. The TSSAA rules regarding masks, temperature checks, social distancing and COVID-19 recommended venue capacities will remain in effect.

“We’re proud that our member schools have been taking steps to follow the Governor’s orders and limit the spread of the virus,” said Bernard Childress, Executive Director of TSSAA. “It is vitally important that we continue to be smart and safe in our activities, wear a mask, wash our hands and practice social distancing at every athletic contest.”

Member schools are encouraged to limit fan attendance to a number that will allow adequate social distancing (e.g., 1/4 to 1/3 of typical seating capacity, depending on the characteristics of the particular venue) and should mark/designate bleachers or seats in order to promote social distancing among spectators. Member schools must facilitate compliance with any applicable state or local order limiting gathering sizes for participation in public events. In consultation with local health providers, member schools in areas experiencing high virus transmission should consider further limitations on attendance (e.g., family members only, or no spectators). Limit informal gathering in areas where social distancing cannot be maintained.

January 24^th – 30^th, 2021, is School Board Appreciation Week in Tennessee. This week helps build awareness and understanding of the vital functions our locally elected boards of education play in our community. Cannon County Schools is joining public school districts from across the state to celebrate School Board Appreciation Week and honor local board members for their commitment to Cannon County and its children. “Our school system is the backbone of our community, and these men and women devote countless hours to making sure our schools are helping every child,” Director of Cannon County Schools, William F. Curtis said. “There is no greater honor that can be bestowed upon a citizen than membership on a local Board of Education. They spend countless hours studying the issues and regulations and make the tough decisions when called upon to ensure the type of accountability people expect.”

Curtis said the key work of school boards is to:

• Create a Vision and Mission for what the community wants the school district to be and for making student achievement the top priority.  Cannon County Schools’ VISION – ‘Engaged in Excellence EVERY Day in EVERY Way!’ through our MISSION – ‘To Create a Unified Environment That Will Provide Opportunities for All Students to Reach Their Full Potential!’

• Establish standards for what students will be expected to learn and be able to do;

• Ensure progress is measured to be sure the district’s goals are achieved and students are learning at expected levels;

• Create a safe, orderly climate where students can learn and teachers can teach;

• Form partnerships with others in the community to solve common problems; and

• Focus attention on the need for continuous improvement by questioning, refining and revising issues related to student achievement.

“Our local school board impacts every student every day in Cannon County by influencing the high-quality of education that our children and youth receive. The Cannon County Board of Education shows its commitment to educational excellence and equity–and for that we are very grateful for their attitude of service.  Our deepest appreciation is extended to the dedicated men and women who make it possible for local citizens to participate in education. We salute the public servants of the Cannon County Board of Education whose commitment and civic responsibility make local control of public schools in our community possible.” The members serving our district are as follows: Chairman Mr. Javin Fann – District 4: East Side/Short Mountain Communities; Vice Chairman Mrs. Aletha Thomas – District 5: Woodbury City Limits; Chairman Pro Tem – Mr. Wade McMackins – District 1: West Side Community; Mrs. Jennifer Duggin – District 2: Auburntown/Short Mountain Communities; and Mr. Derrick Mullins – District 3: Woodland Community.”

Governor Bill Lee, Lt. Gov. McNally, Speaker Sexton and members of the General Assembly closed a historic special session to address learning loss and the negative effects on student proficiency in reading and math marked by time away from the classroom due to COVID-19. 

“COVID-19 has severely disrupted education in Tennessee. Our decisive action to intervene on behalf of Tennessee students will equip them for success, educating our kids better in the future than before the pandemic,” said Gov. Lee. “I thank the General Assembly for their swift passage of legislation that will benefit our students.”

In addition to interventions for Tennessee students, the passed legislation increases the salary component of the education funding formula by 4%.

“I am grateful for a productive and efficient conclusion to a legislative session focused on helping children, parents and teachers,” said Lt. Gov. McNally (R-Oak Ridge). “Tennessee has made tremendous improvements in education over the last decade. The coronavirus public health crisis began to put all of that at risk. The steps we took this week will reverse the learning loss that has taken place and prevent any further erosion of our progress. I appreciate Governor Lee calling this special session to draw our attention to the pressing needs of education in this state. The House and the Senate came together to ensure our progress continues. I appreciate the efforts of each and every one of my colleagues for their efforts this week on behalf of our students, teachers and parents.”

Gov. Lee’s slate of education priorities included learning loss, phonics-based reading instruction and accountability measures to inform student progress.

“This is a momentous day for Tennessee, for our students, and for our parents because our General Assembly has drawn a line in the sand, and we have said we can no longer accept that only one third of our students are proficient in reading and in math,” said Tennessee House Speaker Sexton (R-Crossville). “We want to be number one in education; I appreciate Gov. Lee for his vision, as well as Lt. Gov McNally, and the House and Senate for their partnership as we all have worked together this week to transform educational outcomes for Tennessee students.”   

The passed legislation includes the following measures:

Intervening to Stop Learning Loss – SB 7002/HB 7004

• Requires interventions for struggling students including after-school learning mini-camps, learning loss bridge camps and summer learning camps, beginning summer 2021
• Program prioritizes students who score below proficient in both reading (ELA) and math subjects
• Creates the Tennessee Accelerated Literacy and Learning Corps to provide ongoing tutoring for students throughout the entire school year
• Strengthens laws around a third grade reading gate so we no longer advance students who are not prepared

Building Better Readers with Phonics – SB 7003/HB 7002

• Ensures local education agencies (LEAs) use a phonics-based approach for kindergarten through third grade reading instruction

• Establishes a reading screener for parents and teachers to identify when students need help, well before third grade
• Provides training and support for educators to teach phonics-based reading instruction

Accountability to Inform – SB 7001/HB 7003

• Extends hold harmless provisions from the 2019-20 school year to the 2020-21 school year so that students, teachers, schools and districts do not face any negative consequences associated with student assessments
• Provides parents and educators with assessment data including TCAP testing to provide an accurate picture of where Tennessee students are and what supports are needed to offset any learning losses

State Senator Mark Pody has been appointed chairman of the General Assembly’s Joint Government Operations Committee’s Commerce, Labor, Transportation and Agriculture Subcommittee. The announcement was made by Chairman Kerry Roberts as the 112th General Assembly met on Tuesday.

“I am delighted to be appointed to this position and look forward to getting to work on the many issues before us in 2021,” said Sen. Pody.

The Senate Government Operations Committee is generally perceived as one of the most powerful in the General Assembly as it oversees legislation to create, reauthorize, reorganize or sunset departments, commissions, boards, agencies or councils of state government. The Committee also hears bills regarding licensing and certification of occupational or professional groups, and reviews regulations promulgated by all Tennessee departments, commissions, boards or agencies.

In addition to being appointed to the Government Operations Committee, Pody was appointed Vice-Chairman of the Senate Transportation and Safety Committee and Vice-Chairman of the Senate Energy, Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee during the General Assembly’s organizational session last week.

The Transportation committee is responsible for legislation regarding all forms of transportation in Tennessee, including highways, roads, bridges, railroads, air, bus, and vehicles. The committee also oversees legislative matters concerning the Department of Safety and Homeland Security. The Energy, Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee’s scope includes review of legislation related to Tennessee’s hunting and fishing laws, state parks, energy conservation, agriculture, preservation of natural resources and fostering the state’s tourism industry.

Senator Pody represents Cannon, Clay, DeKalb, Macon, Smith and Wilson Counties in District 17 in the Tennessee Senate.

The Tennessee Department of Health and Tennessee’s Unified Command Group have added new features to the COVID19.tn.gov website to make it easier for users to find county-specific information and request an appointment for COVID-19 vaccination.

The COVID19.tn.gov website provides a simple tool for Tennesseans to find their phase in Tennessee’s COVID-19 Vaccination Plan. Updates to this tool make it easier for eligible users to request a vaccination appointment with their county health department. Find the tool at https://covid19.tn.gov/covid-19-vaccines/eligibility/.

The website also offers an interactive map where Tennesseans can select their county to learn the risk-based and age-based phases currently eligible for COVID-19 vaccination and how to request a vaccination appointment. New county-specific pages offer information including current local vaccine availability. Find the map at https://covid19.tn.gov/covid-19-vaccines/county-vaccine-information/.

A new video explains the registration process for users. Find the video tutorial at https://covid19.tn.gov/covid-19-vaccines/.

The COVID19.tn.gov website also offers dashboards and daily reports with state and county-level information including case counts, hospitalizations and tests conducted. This site serves as a resource Tennesseans can use in making decisions about activities for their families, businesses and communities as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves.

COVID-19 vaccine supplies remain limited, and availability of vaccines varies by county. Tennessee counties may progress through COVID-19 vaccination phases at different times depending on supplies of vaccines. Tennesseans can learn their phase for receiving vaccine at https://covid19.tn.gov/covid-19-vaccines/vaccine-phases/.

Cannon County Schools has announced that certain Fridays in January, February, and March will be conducted as “Flex/Asynchronous Learning Days. Friday, January 29^th, 2021; Friday, February 5^th, 2021; Friday, February 26^th, 2021; and Friday, March 26th, 2021 will be “Off-Campus” Days for most Cannon County Schools’ students.  Students that are failing classes will be required to attend on those days, and other students in our Life Skills / CDC classes will also be attending.  Bus Service will also take place for those students required to attend, lunch will be served to those students in attendance, and limited ESP Services will also take place.  Schools will inform those students that must attend on these days, however, most students will be learning from their homes.  Assignments will be provided in multiple ways via Google Classroom and Packets on the “Flex/Asynchronous Days.”

Director of Cannon County Schools, Mr. William F. Curtis, stated, “I met with Supervisors and Principals today, January 14^th, 2021, and they suggested possible dates that would work in our schedule.  Some weeks were already four day weeks due to holidays – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – Monday, January 18^th, 2021; Presidents’ Day – Monday, February 15^th, 2021; and Professional Development Day – Tuesday, March 2^nd, 2021. We are continuing to evaluate our COVID-19 response and teachers are in need of these ‘Flex / Asynchronous Days’ to work with failing students on a ‘one-on-one basis’ and to utilize these days for preparation and evaluation of learning.  We have incredible educators that are working extremely hard, and these days will assist them in multiple ways.  We continue our focus on the VISION of Cannon County Schools – ‘Engaged in Excellence EVERY Day and in EVERY Way!’ and OUR MISSION – ‘To create a Unified Environment That Will Provide Opportunities for ALL Students to Reach Their Full Potential.’  We sincerely appreciate our Parents/Guardians and their partnership with ALL our schools in Cannon County.”

Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced special session legislation addressing K-12 student learning loss and the adverse effects on Tennessee students’ proficiency in reading and math after extended time away from the classroom due to COVID-19.

“COVID-19 has disrupted every aspect of education and we are on the cusp of severe consequences for our students if we don’t act now,” said Gov. Lee. “Data suggests that Tennessee third graders are facing an estimated 50% drop in reading proficiency and a projected 65% drop in math proficiency and that is not an acceptable path for our kids^[1]. I thank Lt. Gov. McNally, Speaker Sexton and members of the General Assembly for acting quickly on behalf of our students and taking up intervention measures during the special session.”

The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reports that only 34% of Tennessee students are proficient or advanced readers by fourth grade. Research shows that students who do not achieve reading proficiency by third grade are more likely to drop out of high school, be incarcerated or experience poverty as adults.

In addition to learning loss interventions and accountability hold harmless measures, Gov. Lee will propose adding funding for teacher salaries.

“Educators across the state are working tirelessly to turn the tide for their students and help them regain critical math and reading skills,” said Gov. Lee. “We believe they should be compensated for their efforts and look forward to working with the General Assembly to provide funding for our teachers.”

Intervening to Stop Learning Loss – SB 7002

• Requires interventions for struggling students including after-school learning mini-camps, learning loss bridge camps and summer learning camps, beginning summer 2021
• Program prioritizes students who score below proficient in both reading (ELA) and math subjects
• Creates the Tennessee Accelerated Literacy and Learning Corps to provide ongoing tutoring for students throughout the entire school year
• Strengthens laws around a third grade reading gate so we no longer advance students who are not prepared

Building Better Readers with Phonics – SB 7003

• Ensures local education agencies (LEAs) use a phonics-based approach for kindergarten through third grade reading instruction
• Establishes a reading screener for parents and teachers to identify when students need help, well before third grade
• Provides training and support for educators to teach phonics-based reading instruction

Accountability to Inform – SB 7001

• Extends hold harmless provisions from the 2019-20 school year to the 2020-21 school year so that students, teachers, schools and districts do not face any negative consequences associated with student assessments
• Provides parents and educators with assessment data including TCAP testing to provide an accurate picture of where Tennessee students are and what supports are needed to offset any learning losses

Companion bills will be filed in the coming days.

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^[1] National research organizations, NWEA and CREDO, analyzed historical data to project an estimated 50% decrease in proficiency rates in 3rd grade reading and a projected 65% decrease in math proficiency

An investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office has led to the improvement of how evidence is stored and inventoried within the Cannon County Sheriff’s Department.

The Comptroller’s Office was asked to review Cannon County’s evidence room and case file management by the 16^th Judicial District Attorney General’s Office. Investigators reviewed records and evidence dating back to February 28, 2002.

The investigation found numerous problems with how evidence was stored, secured, recorded, inventoried, and disposed of.

One .22 caliber revolver and 49 other items of evidence that were listed as being in department custody could not be located. The missing evidence included drugs, drug paraphernalia, and other miscellaneous evidence.

Evidence was also left unsecured in areas throughout the office and in an unlocked trailer behind the facility. Investigators also found extra keys to the locked evidence room in an unlocked drawer.

The investigation noted a failure to record some items of evidence in the evidence log, or to record evidence in the log on the day it was received.

Additionally, the Sheriff’s Department did not dispose of some evidence which had been ordered to be disposed of by a criminal court.

“Law enforcement agencies should always perform an annual inventory of all evidence in custody,” said Comptroller Justin P. Wilson. “It is also a best practice to store evidence in a single secure location. All evidence should be logged and organized properly. I’m pleased to see that Cannon County has taken steps to strengthen its weaknesses in these areas.”

As a result of the investigation, Cannon County has made improvements related to the storage and organization of its evidence. The department is also in the process of implementing a centralized, computer-based inventory system.

Sheriff Darrell Young told WBRY that some of the missing items were not missing, just mislabeled. This type of issue can occur when a department is overworked and under-funded.  The department is currently down two positions and soon a third as a staff member gave notice this week. Improvements have been made, we will continue to improve.

To view the investigative report, go to: https://comptroller.tn.gov/office-functions/investigations/find.html

After more than a year of discussions and negotiations with the federal government, Tennessee’s Medicaid “Block Grant” waiver amendment received approval today by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).  Tennessee is the first state in the nation to be granted approval for this type of block grant arrangement, which will result in an innovative, alternative financing arrangement for its Medicaid program and provide additional flexibilities relative to its administration.

TennCare submitted Amendment 42 to CMS in November 2019 in accordance with legislation adopted by the Tennessee General Assembly during the 2019 legislative session.  The legislation directed the governor to submit the waiver for federal approval. 

The negotiated agreement includes the major components and principles outlined in TennCare’ s original proposal to CMS, building upon Tennessee’s history of effective management of its Medicaid program and providing opportunities for additional federal funding for the purpose of improving the health of TennCare members and communities throughout the state.

“Today’s agreement represents a continuation of Tennessee’s commitment to innovate, lead and improve,” said Governor Bill Lee. “We have sought to fundamentally change an outdated and ineffective Medicaid financing system that incentivizes states to spend more taxpayer dollars rather than rewarding states for value, quality and efficiency. Our approved plan will create an unprecedented opportunity for Tennessee to be rewarded for its successful administration of TennCare and further improve the health of TennCare members and Tennessee communities with that reward.”

“We approached our negotiations with CMS and the ultimate agreement with one overriding question and directive from Governor Lee – Will this plan benefit Tennessee, our TennCare program and the people we serve,” said Stephen Smith, TennCare Director. “We are convinced the answer is yes.  This gives Tennessee the real opportunity to enhance the services we provide to Tennesseans.” Pursuant to Public Chapter 481, from 2019, implementation of the waiver agreement must be authorized by the Tennessee General Assembly. 

Representative John Rose (TN-6) voted to object to the certification of the Electoral College vote counts from both Arizona and Pennsylvania.

“Today, I voted to object to the Electoral College vote counts in both Arizona and Pennsylvania as part of my fight for election integrity so that all Americans can have trust in the process that defines this nation. Over the last two months, an overwhelming number of Tennesseans in my district have communicated their serious concerns about the 2020 election; and tonight I was their voice in Washington. I felt it as my duty to push to preserve our democratic republic through a thoughtful debate on the obvious flaws of the 2020 election process,” Rose said.

On Tuesday, Rose signed on to the formal objections against electoral college vote submissions from Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin for the 2020 election citing widespread concern from constituents over election integrity. Only objections to the vote counts of Arizona and Pennsylvania also received the signature of at least one U.S. Senator, which then triggered both a debate and later a vote.

“While the actions of my fellow Members of Congress and I did not reverse the blatant failure of some states to properly vet the votes, the debate was an important opportunity to discuss the concerns of the many people who are dissatisfied with our electoral process. In almost two and a half centuries, our republic has withstood great challenges based on the consent of the governed. However, Americans are losing faith in many of their basic institutions, and after the 2020 presidential election, it’s clear that confidence in the presidential election is extremely low. This 2020 presidential election has shined a bright light on the fact that states need to step up and properly reform their election processes, where needed, to deliver trustworthy results for all Americans,” Rose added.

“The violence we witnessed today did not prevail. We returned to the House chamber, carried out our constitutional duty of debate, and moved forward with the great American tradition of a peaceful transfer of power. Only through diligence can we hope to restore your trust,” Rose concluded.

U.S. Representative John Rose is currently serving his second term representing Tennessee’s Sixth Congressional District and resides in Cookeville with his wife, Chelsea, and their son, Guy. The Sixth District includes Cannon, Clay, Coffee, Cumberland, DeKalb, Fentress, Jackson, Macon, Overton, Pickett, Putnam, Robertson, Smith, Sumner, Trousdale, White, and Wilson counties as well as portions of Cheatham and Van Buren counties. Representative Rose is an eighth-generation farmer, small business owner, and currently serves on the Financial Services Committee.